Undergraduate Programs

Why Study Psychology?

The study of psychology helps students gain a deeper understanding of the human condition. Why do people act the way they do? What is the human brain capable of? What shapes our personality? How do we learn and change throughout our life? The mission of the Department of Psychology undergraduate program is to educate students about the major research findings and theories in the field of Psychology and to train them to use an empirical approach for understanding human behavior.


Professor Chanel Meyers presenting to a class

Major in Psychology

Our students receive a solid grounding in the scientific method through hands-on research opportunities. Specifically, the psychology program endeavors to provide students with:

  • Broad exposure to the basic concepts, theories, findings, and ethical issues of psychology. 
  • Education in the scientific method including hands-on research opportunities.
  • Strong critical thinking and written communication skills, including the ability to evaluate and convey the evidence for claims regarding human behavior.
  • Applied experience through internship and practicum opportunities at partnering community organizations.

Psychology major Lynn Nashawi presenting a research poster

Honors in Psychology

Honors students obtain valuable experience in designing, carrying out, and writing up a substantial project for the senior honors thesis. Both experiences lead to stronger faculty recommendations for future training.

Honors Requirements


Psychology student Sophia Mauelshagen

Conducting Lab Research

“Since the end of my sophomore year, I've been a research assistant in the Cognitive Dynamics Lab, where I've learned a great deal about the nitty-gritty behind the scenes of data collection! In addition, I am conducting research for a psychology honors thesis in the Social Cognition Lab, which has given me an abundance of knowledge about all the stages of research. Being a part of both labs has greatly enriched my educational experience and taught me about different ways to understand the world cognitively."

—Sophia Mauelshagen, psychology major, '23


Lab technician examining an MRI brain scan

Get Real-World Experience

Gain a competitive edge within your chosen career by developing practical job skills in the field. Psychology students can apply their skills and extend their learning beyond the classroom through faculty-led research projects, practicum placements, and other hands-on learning opportunities.

Hands-on Learning


Psychology major Aly Weir

Preparing for Life after College

“My experience in the psychology department has been filled with insightful professors, numerous opportunities to grow, and helpful peers. Through being a department peer advisor, I have been able to expand my skills and learn more about the avenues of the psychology major. I am thankful that through my experience in the department, I feel ready to take on life after graduation.”

—Aly Weir, psychology major, '23


Psychology Clinic consultation

What You Can Do with a Psychology Degree

A Psychology degree provides a solid foundation in the major research findings and theories within in the field of psychology and trains you to use an empirical approach toward understanding human behavior. You'll develop a diverse skill set that prepares you to work in many fields. Learn about possible careers and actual jobs our alumni have landed.

Explore Careers


Peer advising

Advising and Academic Support

Our peer advisors, graduate student advisors, and faculty advisors are available throughout the academic year to help you explore experiential learning opportunities, prepare for graduate school, or pursue your career goals. Make an advising appointment or take advantage of our drop-in hours.

Departmental Advising and Support


Scholarships and Awards

Psychology majors can apply for many different scholarships and awards through the UO College of Arts and Sciences, which offers both financial need and academic merit scholarships. The Department of Psychology also offers funding through the Leona Tyler Scholarship and the Alice Thompson Scholarship.

Explore Scholarships and Awards


Events

Grad Research Funding Fair
Dec2
Grad Research Funding Fair Dec 2 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Physical Chemistry Seminar: Studies of Local DNA Structure and Dynamics by Nonlinear Spectroscopy and Single-molecule Optical Approaches
Dec2
Physical Chemistry Seminar: Studies of Local DNA Structure and Dynamics by Nonlinear Spectroscopy and Single-molecule Optical Approaches Dec 2 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Dec3
Department of History Coffee Hour Dec 3 McKenzie Hall
Let's Talk - Tuesdays 3-5PM (CMAE/Zoom)
Dec3
Let's Talk - Tuesdays 3-5PM (CMAE/Zoom) Dec 3 CMAE
Dept. of History Seminar Series: "Bears, Cattle, and Natural Disaster:  The Colonial Dream Cycle on Kodiak, Alaska,1788-1964"
Dec3
Dept. of History Seminar Series: "Bears, Cattle, and Natural Disaster:  The Colonial Dream Cycle on Kodiak, Alaska,1788-1964" Dec 3 McKenzie Hall
Indigenous Science and Futures in the Klamath Basin
Dec3
Indigenous Science and Futures in the Klamath Basin Dec 3 Many Nations Longhouse
Let's Talk - Wednesdays Noon-2MP (Peterson Hall/Zoom)
Dec4
Let's Talk - Wednesdays Noon-2MP (Peterson Hall/Zoom) Dec 4 Peterson Hall
Let’s Talk – Wednesdays 2PM-4PM (BCC/Zoom)
Dec4
Let’s Talk – Wednesdays 2PM-4PM (BCC/Zoom) Dec 4 Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center
Organic/Inorganic/Materials Chemistry Seminar: Advances in Abiotic Biosensors and Targeted Molecular Probes
Dec5
Organic/Inorganic/Materials Chemistry Seminar: Advances in Abiotic Biosensors and Targeted Molecular Probes Dec 5 Fenton Hall
11th Annual UO Hip Hop Jam
Dec5
11th Annual UO Hip Hop Jam Dec 5 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)